bushfire smoke over Melbourne

Penny had a quiet day today, because the smoke from the bush fires is drifting across the city of Melbourne and we didn't think it was a good idea to go walking.

Here's the view of sunset over Melbourne on 22 December 2013 with the nearby city buildings silhouetted against the sky.

Here's the same view tonight, with the buildings lost in the haze of smoke.

The Moon is red, as it was in the terrible fires of 2009. Thank God no lives have been lost this week, a wonderful credit to the organisation of the fire response, and to the bravery of our wonderful CFA firefighters and the other firefighters who assisted them. It's so sad, though, for the many people who have lost their homes.

dogs still go walking even in times of trouble

Penny was the one who cut the walk short today, when she sat down and indicated she was ready to head home.


She had gone out with one of her other humans, while I was at church, praying for the people (and animals) affected by these fires. Not just praying, of course - there was a collection and a chance to talk with people whose families have suffered, and to discuss long-term ways the local charity can help, when the first crisis eases.

It's warm, but Penny can usually walk longer than she did today. Probably the smoke in the air affected her. Here's a picture of the usual view over Darebin Parklands compared to today's view: